Kerala Tourism - A Complete Guide For A Family Trip To Kerala

Kerala is truly the abode of the Gods. It’s literally Heaven on earth and is aptly called ‘God’s own country’. From serene backwaters to pristine beaches, from thriving wildlife sanctuaries to soaring peaks, Kerala has all these and much, much more.
Here is a Kerala trip guide for you and your family of things to do, places to visit and all that will make your Kerala trip memorable.
Best Time To Visit Kerala

To begin with, the best time to visit Kerala is from September to March when the climate is pleasant, cool and enjoyable. Enjoy the warm sunny skies and at the same time, feel the cool breeze occasionally coming through. It’s also a great time to indulge in what Kerala outdoors has to offer.

Places To Visit In Kerala

Kerala tourism is thriving, and there are many places to visit and things to do during your Kerala trip.

1. Kovalam Beach – Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach destination that is located 40 minutes from Trivandrum and in the vicinity of the distinguishing lighthouse. A prominent beach here is the Kovalam Beach, which is easily the liveliest beach in Kerala. Being more developed than the other beaches, it is frequented by tourists. It’s buzzing with activity through the day. You can get massages, enjoy coastal food, bask in the sun, take a dip in the azure waters, take a sunset walk along the shore, enjoy adventure activities or cruise through the water on a catamaran. It’s always fun and frolic here, so make sure you visit this beach when in Kovalam during Kerala trip

2. Eravikulam National Park – Munnar in Kerala is a destination which has allured tourists from all over the world for its natural beauty. It’s known for its never-ending plantations, clear lakes, vast grasslands and picture-perfect backdrops. One such gem located in one of the most sought-after Kerala tourism destinations is this national park that is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. There is also the Anamudi, the highest peak in South India, rare orchids, the Nilgiri Langur, wild balsams, etc. Echo Point is a famous viewpoint in the park known for its breathtaking views of Kerala. The Rajamalai Zone of the park where tourists are allowed offers abundant flora and fauna. You can tread into the grasslands or the depths of the lush forest - as the explorer in you pleases. All in all, this 97-square-kilometre park offers stunning viewpoints, safari bus rides, eco shops, delicious food and much more; perfect for a family day out!

3. Edakkal Caves – A short trek up the Ambukuthi Hills in Wayanad will pave the way to Edakkal Caves, which translates into ‘a stone in between’. The cave is at 1200 metres above the sea level. The sight of the caves is stunning; it’s like one huge boulder split open into two to form the cave. Inside the cave, you can find beautiful prehistoric etchings dating back to the Neolithic Age on either side of the stone. The carvings range from human figures to animals and even some unusual designs. The trek up, with the aroma of coffee wafting through the air and the numerous jackfruits trees along the path and the caves, are what make the entire experience truly charming. While atop the hill, don’t forget to let your inner photographer out for, there are plenty of scenic spots for good shots!

4. Chembra Peak – The highest peak of Wayanad, Chembra presents panoramic views of Wayanad and the surrounding greenery. , and a trek to the top will bring you to a watchtower and the famous heart-shaped lake. As compared to other trekking trails, this one doesn’t have an unpredictable terrain, which makes trekking easier. Chembra will reward you if you with surreal views of nature. At one point during the trek, you can even be almost one with the fluffy clouds that float by aimlessly. It’s undoubtedly a revitalising and refreshing experience.

Things To Do In Kerala

Apart from these places to see in Kerala, Kerala’s tourism has a lot of fun things to do in Kerala.

1. Boating - Boating in exotic wooden boats down placid waters of the many lakes is a quintessential experience when you are in Kerala. The sight of sleepy villages, palm-fringed backwaters passing by and Malayali food are hints as to why this state is fondly called ‘God’s own country’! It’s a rewarding experience for adults and kids alike. A must do activity is relaxing in one of the houseboats in Alleppey.

2. Hiking/trekking – Along with its serene side, Kerala also has a lot of adventure offerings for thrill seekers! Situated on the Western Ghats, there are many alluring hills which also have enthralling spots for hiking and trekking. Choose from the many like Chembra Peak Trek, Agasthyakoodam Peak or Rajamalai in Eravikulam National Park, all of which are food for the adventurous soul.

3. Elephant ride - Elephants are synonymous with Kerala and a highly sought-after activity for tourists visiting Kerala is riding an elephant. As you sit atop the elephant, feel like a king (that is, after all, how maharajas from the bygone era use to travel). It's also a great way to get a panoramic view of the surroundings. As Kerala is blessed with bountiful nature, there are many national parks where you can spot elephants in their natural habitats like the Periyar National Park and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. For rides, you can head to Elephant Junction.

4. Fishing - Not only is fishing a livelihood for many Keralities, but it is also a bait-worthy attraction for tourists, especially the Chinese Fishing nets of Kochi. The labyrinth of streams, canals, lakes, backwaters and lagoons offer a golden opportunity for fishing. A good spot for angling is Fort Kochi, Cherai beach and more.

How To Reach Kerala.

How To Reach Kerala By Air - To reach Kerala by air, you can board a flight to Kochi International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport or Calicut International Airport.

How To Reach Kerala By Train - Kerala is well-connected by train to more than 200 railway stations around the country.

How To Reach Kerala By Road - There are well-planned roads to reach Kerala via car or bus – an excellent mode of transport if you want to enjoy the landscape.

Where To Stay In Kerala

When in this beautiful state, you and your family can experience the best of Kerala at Club Mahindra resorts in Kerala. We have our resorts in Munnar, Thekkady, Wayanad and other top places to visit in Kerala. You will truly be spoilt for choice, and there is plenty to do in and around our Wayanad resort, Cherai resort and other top resorts in Kerala. Comfortable rooms to stay in, plenty of family activities to indulge in and delicious local food to enjoy at the in-house restaurants make these resorts the best options for a holiday when on a trip to Kerala.

Rest assured, Club Mahindra would make your Kerala itinerary a memorable one. Read through Club Mahindra reviews from our happy members to know how they are enjoying their family vacation in Kerala.